After dedicating 32 years of my life to service – 5 years in the Army and 27 years with the Metropolitan Police – I thought I’d seen it all. But it wasn’t until I hung up my uniform and started running cptsdrelief.co.uk that I truly understood the depth of the mental health crisis facing our emergency services. I’ve walked in those boots, felt the weight of that stab vest, and now I’m pulling back the curtain on a struggle that’s rarely discussed but deeply felt. While this article is primarily aimed at the police force’s, now, as a mental welfare coach, these insights and suggestions I’ll share can be applied to improve mental health in any workplace or business. Join me as we explore the unseen battles our officers face and discover how we can support those who risk everything to keep us safe – principles that can benefit workers across all sectors.
The Call to Serve: A Journey of Dedication
When individuals don the uniform, whether it’s Army fatigues or police blue, they answer a call that goes far beyond a mere career choice. It’s a vocation, a commitment to stand between danger and those we swore to protect. The uniform represents not just authority, but a pledge to serve, often at great personal cost.
In my years of service and now in my work with cptsdrelief.co.uk, I’ve witnessed the bravery, compassion, and unwavering dedication of my fellow officers. But I’ve also seen the toll this calling takes on those who answer it. The harsh realities of policing – witnessing human suffering, confronting violence, and making split-second decisions under intense scrutiny – create a perfect storm for mental health challenges.
The Invisible Wounds of Duty
In my work supporting emergency service personnel, I’ve encountered countless stories of officers grappling with the psychological impact of their duties. One officer I worked with found himself unable to sleep, plagued by nightmares of a particularly harrowing incident. He began to withdraw from his family, finding it difficult to connect with those who couldn’t understand his experiences. The dark humor that once helped him cope now felt hollow, and the joy he once found in his work was replaced by a gnawing anxiety.
This officer’s story is far from unique. In fact, recent research from the University of Cambridge has revealed alarming statistics about the prevalence of mental health issues in policing. The study found that rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the UK police service are almost five times higher than in the UK general population.
This staggering figure underscores the severity of the mental health crisis facing our police force.
Due to low police numbers and an increase in violent crime, the constant exposure to traumatic events, as highlighted by the Cambridge study, can lead to a range of mental health issues, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These invisible wounds are often compounded by officers feeling that they solve other people’s problems, but hide their own battles. (Police Care UK Statistics)
The Complaints Conundrum: A Broken System
One of the most significant stressors I’ve observed in my work is the fear, stress and anxiety surrounding the complaints system. The current process, while understandably necessary for accountability, any spurious allegation is passed to an increasingly busy complaints department and shelved, often leaving officers feeling vulnerable and unsupported. The police complaints procedure has led to a system that many officers perceive as unfair, unaccountable and potentially biassed, often officers evidence and their side of the story is the last to be heard.
All too frequently I have helped officers who have been under investigation for years, (yes an average case taking 3 to 5 years!!) officers careers and mental health, hanging in the balance. This prolonged uncertainty can be devastating, leading to a cascade of mental health issues that ripple through their personal and professional lives. What’s particularly troubling is the lack of accountability from the IOPC, the forces or the Home Office for the mental health impact of these prolonged investigations.
One officer described, even when complaints are unfounded, the prolonged uncertainty and feeling of powerlessness can be devastating. This atmosphere of constant scrutiny can lead to a reluctance to engage proactively with the community, further eroding the relationship between police and the public they serve. You only have to look at the ‘Horizon’ Post Office IT scandal to see the devastating effects that false allegations have on a victim.
Because a police constable holds a position in society they are not ‘employed’, the current complaints system manages to skirt around employment tribunal legislation, leaving officers in a precarious position with little recourse. The lack of transparency and seemingly arbitrary nature of some decisions add to the stress and frustration many officers feel.
The Ripple Effect: From Individual Struggles to Systemic Challenges
The mental health crisis in policing doesn’t just affect individual officers; it has far-reaching consequences for the entire system of law enforcement and public safety. Here’s what I’ve observed:
1. Increased Absenteeism: Officers struggling with mental health issues are more likely to take sick leave, putting additional strain on already stretched resources.
2. High Turnover Rates: The cumulative stress leads many talented officers to leave the force prematurely, resulting in a loss of experience and increased training costs.
3. Strained Community Relations: When officers are struggling, it can affect their interactions with the public, potentially eroding trust and cooperation.
The Path Forward: A Holistic Approach to Support
Despite these challenges, I have hope for the future of policing. Through my work at cptsdrelief.co.uk and working alongside Trojan Wellbeing, I’ve seen the power of proper support and understanding. When we invest in the mental health of our officers, the benefits are profound and far-reaching:
1. Enhanced Resilience: Officers who receive adequate mental health support are better equipped to handle the stresses of the job, leading to fewer sick days and longer, more fulfilling careers.
2. Improved Decision-Making: Mental health support helps officers maintain clarity and composure in high-stress situations, leading to better outcomes for all involved.
3. Stronger Community Engagement: When officers feel supported and mentally healthy, they’re more likely to engage positively with the community, fostering trust and cooperation.
4. Increased Job Satisfaction: Proper support leads to higher job satisfaction, reducing turnover and preserving valuable experience within the force.
5. Cultural Shift: As more officers seek and receive support, it helps break down the stigma around mental health in policing, encouraging them to talk, creating a more open and supportive culture and creating trust within the mental health process of their force.
Supporting Those Who Protect Us
To truly address the mental health crisis in policing, we need a concerted effort from all levels of society. Here’s what needs to happen:
1. Government and Police Leadership:
– Implement robust, easily accessible mental health support systems (NOT token gestures!).
– Revise complaint procedures to ensure fairness, efficiency, expediency and accountability.
– Provide clear guidelines and support for proactive policing.
– Invest in training and resources for stress and trauma management.
– Foster a culture of appreciation and recognition for officers’ challenging work.
2. Within Police Forces:
– Normalise conversations about mental health.
– Train supervisors to recognise signs of mental health struggles and provide support.
– Give supervisors the tools and time they need to help their team.
– Create peer support programs to leverage the understanding of fellow officers.
– Implement regular mental health check-ins as part of standard procedure.
3. For the Wider Community:
– Educate ourselves about the challenges faced by police officers.
– Show appreciation for the difficult work officers do.
– Advocate for better mental health support for emergency services.
– Foster positive interactions with local police services to build mutual understanding and trust.
The Road Ahead: A Shared Journey
As we work towards a healthier, more resilient police force, it’s crucial to remember that this is not just a problem for the police to solve alone. It’s a societal issue that requires a collective response. By supporting the mental health of our officers, we’re not just helping individuals – we’re strengthening the entire fabric of public safety and community well-being.
Together, we can turn the tide on the mental health crisis in policing. We can create a future where our officers are not just physically equipped to protect us, but mentally and emotionally supported to thrive in their crucial roles. The time for change is now, and the power to make that change lies in our collective hands.
Let’s stand together to support those who stand for us all.
If you or anyone you know is effected by Stress, Anxiety, PTSD or CPTSD contact CPTSDrelief.co.uk and book in for a free chat to see how I can help.